Briefing Number 15 Strategic Partnerships

Dear Councillor

 

Please find enclosed Briefing Number 15 Strategic Partnerships. (to view click here)

 

I am also attaching a report which went to Somerset County Council Cabinet Committee last night.

 

This Council report seeks authority to contest the escalating number of financial clams being made by the Councils Joint Venture Partner Southwest One (SWo)

 

The report makes it clear the Council’s position by stating

 

“It is paramount that we look after the best interests of Somerset’s tax payers and we will defend SCC’s position.”

“The history of Southwest One [SWo] poor performance is continuing; during 2012 the Client Team have been holding SWo to account; resulting in the serving of 8 contractual notices to SWo.”

However the Partner has reacted:

“Over the past 3 weeks SWo have commenced disputes on several other matters, issuing further financial claims and disputing Somerset County Council’s warning notices.

The Council report states

“With a number of escalating disputes, we need to take action to:

• Conduct proceedings

• Respond to these disputes and restore a deteriorating relationship with a strategic supplier.

• Seek to improve value for money and service performance and ensure it is fit for purpose.

• Continue to assertively manage Southwest One to ensure it meets its contractual obligations.”

It is clear the Administration is Somerset is genuinely trying to robustly hold the Partner (which includes IBM) to account. But history says that the Private sector have deeper pockets and better lawyers than the public sector. 

 

UPDATED: Somerset County Council preparing for court in escalating conflict with IBM

http://www.computing.co.uk/ctg/news/2219019/somerset-county-council-preparing-for-court-in-escalating-conflict-with-ibm

 

I hope all of you will be able to come along to the briefing UNISON has invited you to on Wednesday 14 November 2012.

 

As ever if there is a point of clarification or concern please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Best wishes

John Burgess

Branch Secretary.

Barnet UNISON